Producer I or II, MPR News

Your Role:

As the full-time early news producer for MPR News, you will set the morning news agenda across multiple channels for the people of Minnesota.

You will work closely with editors, newscasters, producers and the morning host, Cathy Wurzer.

Alongside the rest of the production team, you will be expected to pitch ideas for interviews, book guests, edit audio interviews, direct live shows, and ensure MPR News content is reaching digital audiences.

Candidates need to be curious, passionate about local news, patient with details and double-checking facts for accuracy, have a love of interesting stories, possess strong writing skills, and have an ability to handle quick deadlines.

A background in audio and control rooms is a plus.

Minnesota is approaching 20 percent Black, Indigenous and People of Color and the Twin Cities metro area is approaching 30 percent BIPOC. We need conversations and reporting that reflect our population.

MPR News remains committed to local broadcasts and to providing a space for Minnesotans to gather and share their lives. We’re looking for a producer who is devoted to elevating local voices and local stories. You understand the urgent need to practice more equitable journalism and are committed to collaborating with the entire newsroom to do so.

Compensation Range: Producer I - $60,000 - $80,000/yr | Producer II - $70,512 - $90,000/yr. Exact salary determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure and internal equity.

Application Deadline: May 4, 2023

Position Responsibilities:

• Direct shows, manage control room, set rundown timing and coordinate with remote guest
• Locate, contact, pre-interview, evaluate guests; book guests and confirm bookings
• Coordinate guest bookings and technical requirements for remote studio connections
• Write promos, scripts and edit and fact-check copy
• Prepare audio for podcast, digital presentation, and re-broadcast
• Research sources/guests for background and context
• Rewrite copy for accuracy and clarity
• Support hosts and prepare research notes for hosts
• Greet and interact with live studio guests
• Coordinate special projects
• Edit pre-recorded interviews and prepare audio from live shows for podcast
• Contribute to show’s digital presence and look for opportunities to play up certain interviews online
• Support other MPR News programs and special programming as needed
• Coordinate the work of interns
• Other duties as assigned

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5 years experience in journalism, broadcasting, or related field for Producer I
• Minimum 6 years experience in journalism broadcasting, or related field for Producer II

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Solid news judgment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to generate fresh and strong ideas for the programs.
• Ability to work interdependently within a team while maintaining effective communication and accountability with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills; effective with details and deadlines.
• Ability to learn new industry specific skills as required.
• Research skills.
• Interest in and general knowledge of news, current events, and public media.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Fluency in Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or other languages commonly used in Minnesota.

Reporting to this Position:

None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to manage some work outside of standard office hours as needed.
• Physical Demands:
• Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time
• Required to move about in the community
• Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping
• Working Conditions:
• Moderate noise level
• Occasional exposure to prevalent weather conditions



APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 wks/per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.




Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.